Route Name: Fat Elvis

Application Status: Approved

Application Cycle: 2016

Rock Formation: Der Freishutz

Number of lead bolts to be placed: 8

Number of anchor bolts to be placed: 2

Route Difficulty:5.9

Route Diagrams:

Not provided

Proposed Route:

The proposed new route goes straight up a beautiful face for 40 feet to a ledge, about 15 feet of easier climbing up the ledge lead to an overhang. Once over the overhang, a rising traverse left leads to a rounded arête to the top. There is no natural protection on the route except on the ledge. One gear placement in this section could protect the run-out from the bolts on the lower half until you clipped the first bolt on the top half. This route is really fun and longer than any of the other west face routes. The climbing is clean and continuous (except a short easy section in the middle). The upper half reminds me of Velvet Elvis, with the rising traverse on classic pebbles and knobs except this route is only 5.9.

Name Meaning:

Not provided

Existing Route Information

Existing Route Diagrams

A description of the approach (include approximate distance from the designated trail system, existing “social” or undesignated trails leading to the climb and condition of the trail, and state whether there is a durable surface, such as rock.

To approach Der Freischutz: Follow the Mallory Cave Trail past Dinosaur Rock. The trail will pass under the East face of Der Freischutz before heading North. When the trail reaches the East face of the Hand take a left on a well defined climber access trail. Follow this uphill along the South face of the Hand. Once you pass the routes Back in Slacks and Power Bulge, bear left. The route The Horn should be visible. The proposed route starts about 40 feet right of Rock & Roll, and a short distance down the hill to the South. From the NW corner of the formation follow the climbers trail down the gully toward the start of Sidewalk Stroll. The trail leads around the west side of a giant boulder that is attached at its North end. Step left (East) around the base of this boulder to reach the start. I hardly set foot on any soil during this approach. You can make your way down by stepping on big solid boulders. The staging area is nice and flat, and on solid rock

If different from the approach, a description of the descent, (include approximate distance from the designated trail system, existing “social” or undesignated trails, a description of the trail condition and whether there is a durable surface, such as rock. Include photographs of the descent.):

Lowering or rapping 95 feet from the anchor will land you back at the staging area.

A description of the area at the base of the climb (include existing levels of soil compaction, existence of a durable surface such as rock, and existing soil erosion. Include photographs of the area at the base of the climb.):

The staging area at the base of this route is almost too good to be true. It is very flat and consists of solid rock.

Has all reconnaissance work that can be reasonably done, short of placing any hardware, been done?

Base Area Photos

Has the route been top roped? Is there loose rock? Is it extremely overhanging?

All reconnaissance has been done and the route has been top-roped. There is no loose rock or cleaning required.

Any additional notes:

I think it would become very popular.